State Deputy’s Message: Armed Forces Day - 18 May 2013

On Armed Forces Day, 1961, President John F. Kennedy, a fellow Sir Knight, connected civic engagement and our Nation’s security. He stated: the strength of our armed forces rests not alone upon their active and reserve members, our industrial productivity, and our human resources, but also upon the understanding and support of an informed American people.

Based on this perspective, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen who have answered the call to service deserve recognition and gratitude. They have endured the most difficult of conditions to protect our country and her highest ideals. Therefore, I ask all Knights of Columbus in Iowa to learn more about, and express gratitude for, the heroic efforts of our men and women in uniform.

Further, military families endure great sacrifice as their service member carries out their missions. Worrying about their safety, moving to new duty stations, and managing a home without a loved one, these families shoulder great burdens as they help sustain our men and women in uniform. I thank military families for their vital contributions.